HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE BACON CHEDDAR RANCH DIP

Making a homemade ranch dip is easier than one might think: It begins with sour cream and mayonnaise. Dried seasonings like dill and onion powder give it that signature ranch flavor, as well as fresh ingredients like minced garlic and snipped chives. A dash of hot sauce and cayenne pepper gives this ranch dip a tiny touch of heat, and add vinegar for a hint of tang.

Pan-seared bacon and freshly grated Cheddar are folded in, and that’s all there is to it! An easy dip, that can be made in advance, sure to satisfy any guest, at any party.

FRESH INGREDIENTS VS. STORE-BOUGHT

Now, for the bacon and Cheddar. I am an advocate for “homemade is best,” and this recipe is no exception. Bacon is chopped and thrown into a pan and cooked until crisped and browned.

Using real bacon, rather than minced up, store-bought bacon bits not only gives the dip a great deal more flavor but also texture. Bacon pan-seared at home still has a little crunch to it, and the quality far exceeds the rubbery, artificial flavors of store-bought bacon bits.

If you have never grated your own cheese, now is a great time to start. You will taste the difference in freshly grated cheese, versus pre-packaged cheddar. Pre-packaged cheese is coated with wax to keep the cheese from clumping and molding, and it affects the flavor.

Using block Cheddar cheese, freshly grated, yields a great deal more flavor, and again, texture.

Every time I’ve made this dip, I have regretted not making a double batch, because once people start in on it, it’s hook, line, and sinker.

Folks, I kid you not, pulling yourself away from the bowl will prove to be a difficult and arduous task.

This Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip is perfect for game day parties…or pretty much any gathering. Real, fresh ingredients set this version apart from the rest, and you and your guests will taste and love the difference. Please, enjoy.

In a medium-sized saute pan over medium heat, saute the bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside on a paper towel to absorb the excess grease.

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, chives, vinegar, hot sauce, dill, salt, onion powder and cayenne. Fold in the bacon and Cheddar cheese, reserving a small pinch of each for garnish (if desired). Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish and serve along side your favorite potato chips and enjoy!

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Hi! I’m Kelly Anthony, a food columnist, baker, home chef and stay-at-home mom with a passion for food and an adoration for entertaining.

Comfort food is my specialty, and it is truly my pleasure to share these recipes with you. I hope you, your family and guests will cherish them as much as I do. Thank you for stopping by, and please, come back again. If you’d like to get to know me a little better, click here.